Dear young people, like the first disciples, follow Jesus! Do not be afraid to draw near to him, to cross the threshold of his dwelling, to speak with him, face to face, as you talk with a friend (cf. Ex 33:11). Do not be afraid of the”new life” he is offering. He himself makes it possible for you to receive that life and practise it, with the help of his grace and the gift of his Spirit. Pope St. John Paul II
RNOW: Discipleship Institute
RNOW: Discipleship Institute was created to help empower the youth disciples of our Diocese to recognize that they have a crucial role within their Catholic faith, that is not meant for the future but Right Now.
RNOW: Discipleship Institute is a training program born from the former Christian Leadership Institute (CLI). This takes the vision of the Christian Leadership Institute and discipleship training to make a year round model for post-confirmation youth, that will empower their purpose within our Catholic faith, right now. RNow is for youth in 10th-12th grade in the Diocese of Fall River, and designed to provide opportunities for personal spiritual growth and equip members with skills in leadership, project management, and missionary discipleship. In short, Overall the mission of RNOW: Discipleship Institute is to provide long-term continual formation via short-term training, and weekly practicum applications with the Merge Nights to apply learned skill sets.
The team is made up of youth from all five deaneries. RNow will have the opportunities throughout the year to help plan, be a sound board for research and development, facilitate events for younger students, organize peer lead ministry at the parish level, and create a service project opportunity at their schools. Taking the vision of the CLI and mission of missionary discipleship creating a merge called RNow. It is important that we reassess and reinvigorate our efforts to empower, uplift and equip the youth.
Apply Here
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RNOW: Discipleship Institute?
RNOW: Discipleship Institute is a program for youth in 10th–12th grade in the Diocese of Fall River, designed to foster personal spiritual growth and equip members with skills for missionary discipleship. Throughout the year, members participate in regular meetings, receive formation, build community, and take part in opportunities to serve and evangelize—especially among younger students.
Who can be on the Team?
The program is for high school youth (10th–12th grade) from parishes and schools in the Diocese who are actively living their Catholic faith and striving to grow as Christian disciples in their parish and school communities.
What is the format of the program?
RNOW: Discipleship Institute is built on four pillars: Prayer, Community, Formation, and Evangelization. Over the course of the program, members will form friendships with peers, deepen their Catholic faith, be empowered to share the Gospel, and have opportunities to encounter Jesus Christ through prayer and the Sacraments.
What is required?
Commitment is essential. The program meets twice a month (on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday) for a total of 18 meetings per year, plus 4 regional retreats.
Applicants must be able to attend at least 10 of the 18 meetings and 2 of the 4 retreats in order to participate.
How does the RNOW: Discipleship Institute live out the Four Pillars?
- Prayer: Learn and grow in personal prayer, with regular opportunities for Adoration, Confession, and Mass.
- Community: Build lasting friendships and be supported by peers who share your faith journey.
- Formation: Deepen your understanding of the Catholic faith through dynamic teaching and discussion.
- Evangelization: Serve others through leading Diocesan youth nights [Merge Nights], giving witness talks, assisting at Diocesan Regional Confirmation retreats, and taking faith into your parish, school, and community.
What is a Merge Night?
Merge Nights are Diocesan youth nights planned and facilitated by RNOW: Discipleship Institute. They combine relational ministry, small group discussions, and personal witness, creating a welcoming environment for teens from across the Diocese to grow in faith together. As part of the Team, members will help design the evening’s flow, lead prayer and activities, share testimonies, and build connections with peers from other parishes. Merge Nights are one of the primary ways the Team lives out the pillar of Evangelization. The Merge Nights take place on 3rd Wednesday of the Month.
How do I sign up?
Apply online: https://form.jotform.com/yyafamily/rnow-youth-discipleship
Deadline: September 30, 2026
MEETING TIMES
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Training Nights- 1st Wednesday)
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Practicum – Merge Nights)
Schedule 2026-2027
2026
September 2nd & 16th
October 7th & 21st
November 4th & 18th
December 2nd & 16th
2027
RNOW NEWLETTERS
Lead by RNow: Discipleship Insitute (Youth Disciples)
Get ready to experience the Merge Night – a fresh, high-energy youth event lead by RNOW: Youth Disciples (RNOW: Discipleship Institute). This is your chance to come together with other high schoolers for a night of community, prayer, and tons of fun.
What’s Merge Night?
It’s where parishes, Steubenville Conference registrants, and YES! participants (both past and future) unite for one powerful encounter. It’s all about merging passion, faith, and excitement in an unforgettable way. This is a moment you don’t want to miss!
Details:
🗓 SAVE THE DATES
November 18th
2027
🕢 Time: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Where: Cathedral Camp, 167 Middleboro Rd, East Freetown, MA 02717
📍 Who: High School Teens (Grades 9-12 only)